ever grateful.

As I sit in the faculty staff space on the seventh deck, I am watching
the rough Atlantic churn itself and my stomach. There have been moments
in the last two days that I've wished (for brief seconds) that I was on
land. More so, I'm ever grateful that I get the opportunity to
experience the vastness and mightiness of this ocean - even if it is
showing off it's power a bit more than I'd like. Four more days until
land...

the beginning...

Lat 43º 15.92N
Long 064º 21.03W
Speed: 11.6 knots

Hello! We are currently sailing along the eastern coast of Canada and
are scheduled to port tomorrow morning at 0800. We have had two full
days of training since sailing away from the Boston port on Sunday
evening. It has been such a joy to be back at sea and back on the MV
Explorer. This is truly a unique opportunity and I struggle to
communicate just how lucky I feel.

It is very odd to be here with a whole new group of staff and faculty,
but we are quickly getting to know one another and are beginning to
build some wonderful relationships. The past two days have flown by
quickly and tomorrow we will get to wander around Halifax for a bit
before the first of our students (work-study) arrive on the ship. I will
be supervising nine work-study students and am eager to meet them
tomorrow. We will host a reception in the evening for the families who
were able to bring their students to meet the ship. It is always a blast
to see the parents and, not unlike the parents of first-year students,
they bring an amazing excitement, nervousness and energy to the ship.

Thursday morning we will board the rest of the students and then we are
officially off for a voyage of a lifetime. I'm very excited about the
role I will be serving in on the ship, but I must admit that it's been
an odd shift away from the student life work that I'm so accustomed to
doing. I think this work in Alumni and Development will be good
experience and an engaging challenge for me.

miss and love,
kate

and.... we're off!

Well, the months of planning, getting vaccinations, obtaining visas, moving, packing, unpacking, repacking, repacking, repacking (ad infinitum) is all going to pay off today! 

I will board the MV Explorer for this next adventure in a couple of hours and I am beyond giddy with excitement. Returning to the MV Explorer feels like I'm returning to a home I so desperately love. One of the reasons I love it so much is the amazing family that I joined when stepping on board. The students and staff of F06 really made the voyage what it was and I carry them in my heart as I set sail again. I am confident that the F12 students and staff will be just as amazing, but I'm feeling nostalgic for the F06ers now. 

I'm usually a "carry-on only" type of traveller, but I will admit that I have definitely overpacked this time (oy). Here's hoping my fellow staff members don't judge me too much (and that I'll actually be able to lug it all to the ship). More later. For now... time to pack up again and get ready to head to the port. Below is a map outlining our voyage (image courtesy of www.semesteratsea.org). 

my life on a napkin

I think this is the first time in my entire life that I've ever been packed for a trip a month in advance. I'd like to say that it is because I'm highly organized and plan my personal life that well, but let's be real - those of you who know me would never believe that in a million years. 

This summer has been a tad hectic as I moved into temporary housing, worked my final month, sold my car, put the last of my belongings in storage and then left the beautiful Pacific Northwest (in the best time of year AND in the height of berry season) for the sauna that is the mid-west right now. It's a good thing there are a LOT of people in the mid-west that I love dearly...worth it.

It was difficult packing for storage, a month of work and Semester at Sea all at the same time and it definitely brought out my "J." Yes, there are spreadsheets indicating what is packed in each suitcase...don't judge. I don't want to forget if I remembered to pack enough [fill in the blank] for the next 140+ days. 

I decided to practice living out of a suitcase for my final month in the states and will be doing a significant amount of travel here in the states - some for personal reasons, some for professional reasons. I'll be shakin things up in Cape Girardeau & Columbia (Missouri) emceeing two leadership conferences; Orlando (Florida) for a TPE planning meeting; Rochester (Minnesota) to see the Toney family, meet the newest toneybabies, and let my friend M have a nap; Jefferson City (Missouri) to see the wonderful parentals; road trip to Tulsa (Oklahoma) and Houston (Texas) to see my favorite siblings; back to Jefferson City and then off to Boston (Massachusetts) to board my second home, the MV Explorer. Whew. 

I may have been a bit board on the first leg of my flight from Seattle... and yes, I travel with colorful sharpies - who doesn't? Thank goodness bags fly free on the one airline I'm using for this.  

this is for real. 

I'm still somewhat in shock that this voyage is really happening in what is now a few short weeks, but here I am with my passport and visas (whew) and packing my apartment for yet another move. For those of you who have known me awhile you know that moving is something I've done many, many times...and something that I'm not usually too excited about. This time I'm trying to pack 1) for the voyage, 2) for some things to go in storage and 3) for residence in a temporary apartment. Aughhh.... 

This move is bringing many more unknowns and I'm finding myself nervous, excited and trying hard to keep my mind open to embracing it all, living in the moment and not worrying too much about what will come after. To be honest, I'm very concerned about coming back as this time I don't have work lined up already. I know that it's going to be worth it and that I'll figure something out eventually (right?). 

Not gonna lie, all of the news reports reminding me that it's not exactly a employment-friendly economy aren't helping. Right now, I'm just trusting that the right thing will work itself out. If not, I may be couch surfing to a sofa near you as my place of residence is currently tied to my (ending) job. 

The other big unknown is my relationship. I met a great man at a baptism nearly a year ago and the thought of doing this without him isn't pleasant. However, the thought of coming back and moving a bit closer together is definitely making me happy - this 3 hour commute business is not ideal. Three months apart is totally do-able, but I've not quite given up the thought that maybe we can work it out for him to join the voyage with me. We shall see. 

Ok. Back to packing... anybody want to help? 

113 days.

I'm bursting to tell you that in a mere 113 days I will be rejoining the MV Explorer for another voyage of discovery!  This time we will be sailing around the Atlantic Ocean while living and learning on the ship. As many of you know, my time on Semester at Sea in 2006 was what started this blog in the first place. You can tell by the gap in posts that I've not been great about keeping it updated, but I'm stretching out the blogging fingers once again and recommitting to keeping up with it again.

Once again I am rejoining the blogosphere to document and share my experiences with you virtually. I sure hope you'll join me for this life-altering one-of-a-kind experience.

<3 kate

seriously? seriously.

I was flying to Philly a couple of weeks ago and flipped through Skymall (as I tend to do on long flights) and happened upon this new shoe.

The logo? Really? Now, I know what it looks like to me... what's it look like to you?

How may layers of approval do you think a shoe and a company logo have to go through before making the pages of a mass-produced magazine? I'm guessing quite a few.... sigh.

winter in washingon

Well, if this is winter in Washington.... I'll take it.

magellan is back in action.

So, I got to thinking about the past month while flying home last week. It was a great travel month for me - made it to NYC, MO, FL, The Bahamas and Puerto Rico - and so I started adding it up. It was not so great for the environment, but what a fun month and I'll tell ya - I was a balla on a budget while doin it.

days counted: 30

miles traveled: 18,969 +/- a few

transportation used: plane, subway, cab, ship, bus, car, ferry

states/territories visited: 6; countries: 2

plane tickets purchased: 2

travel vouchers used: 2

hotel rooms purchased: 1 night (+2 more with travel points)

days out of office: 16 (yay private school winter breaks)

days in office: 7

vacation days used: 7

old friends seen: 30+

new cool people met: um... a lot.

Loves it.

things i may have failed to mention...

Ummm... so this past month it has been brought to my attention that I may not have shared that I have recently relocated! I accepted a new position at a university in Tacoma, WA and moved north mid-summer. I'm enjoying more of the Pacific Northwest, living 45 minutes from Mt. Rainer, 15 minutes from the Puget Sound and super close to Seattle. Adventures galore!

thank you facebook.

I think there's a reason (in my subconscious) that I don't check facebook very often. I was browsing tonight and realized that some folks I used to BABYSIT are now married and some have children. Thank you, dear facebook, for making me feel SO old.

for the love.

When did televisions become so freakin' difficult to turn on and use? What happened to the day when all you had to press was on/off, channel up or down, and volume or mute?

I'm house/dog sitting this week and the big flat screen with cable is one of the perks (I don't have a tv in my house). Now if only I could get a picture AND sound when I turn it on... seriously.

love.

Love comes in many forms and from many places. Each day, I give thanks for bounty of love that exists in my world. It is amazing just how deeply one can love another and I am grateful to have experienced deep, unexplainable, unwavering love in my life.

To all those I love and who love me, I wish you a very happy Valentines Day. I'm so glad you're in my world.

it's all in the name...

About 2 weeks ago my colleague, Bryan. asked if I'd play on staff co-ed recreational basketball team for the campus intramural league. We'd had a team a couple of years ago (the Globesquatters), had a blast & somehow we actually made it to the championship game.

Bryan decided that we should do it again and put a team together. He gave us the team name "Vicious and Delicious". All was fine and good until he sent out a team e-mail about our next game and decided to abbreviate the name. He sent a lovely e-mail addressed to the VDers. Yes, the VDers. Needless to say, I walked into his office after reading that laughed and just shook my head. He claims he didn't even think about what that looked like. I'm not quite sure I believe him...his sense of humor is a little warped at times.

I'm just glad he hasn't made the t-shirts yet, I'd much rather have a shirt that says Vicious and Delicious instead of one that says VD - even if the extra letters do cost more!

random friends

Hello again. Finally. I think maybe we're doing the every other day February blogging game!

Well, I'll let you know that the "veggie-crack" was once again a hit! The double batch was cleaned out pretty well and the small amount of leftovers were hijacked by the hosts as I was leaving. I'm telling you... try it.

I spent the Superbowl party with a group of folks that I've met, somewhat randomly, over the past year or so. They have been absolutely a blast to get to know and the funniest part about it all is that more than half of the group (of about 15) is from the mid-west - and 5 of us are from Missouri! Crazy right?

One of the ring-leaders (Christy) is notorious for adding random people into the group. She is amazingly extroverted and meets fun people wherever she goes. For example, she recently brought someone new into the group and we asked where she met him... she simply replied "Oh! I found him in the basement at Venti's (a local restaurant/bar) last week."

Found him. Yes, that seems appropriate... I think many of us have been "found" by Christy and are very grateful for new friendships she has helped bring into our lives. I don't know if it's the mid-westerners, attitudes or just people I gravitate towards, but this group reminds me a lot (a lot) of the groups I kicked it with in Omaha. I've missed those groups SO much, so this has really helped me adjust to life here. One of the other great parts about this group is that none of the people work with me, so hanging out with them means that we talk about anything BUT our jobs most of the time! This group was very needed in my world and I am grateful for them.

"well, the street name is 'veggie-crack'"

The technical name is Avocado/Black Bean Salsa and I got the recipe from my mother's neighbor and friend. My friends have nick-named it veggie-crack because it's oh so addicting and oh so good. It's also my go-to potluck contribution these days, so if you're reading this and we're going to the same party... call me before making it. It's easy to make, a guaranteed crowd pleaser and healthy (except for the tortilla chips).

Chop and combine the following in a bowl - if you stir it hard it will make a guacamole type dip, but I like it best folded into one another so the avocados stay in chunks. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of many dishes - I like it with blue corn tortilla chips!

2 roma tomatoes
1/2 of a red onion
3 green onions
juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 can black beans
1 can shoepeg corn
2 avocados

So yea... this is what I'm bringing to the superbowl party today and yes, don't worry. I made a double batch!

saturday, february 6, 2010

V.I.C.T.O.R.Y

About two months ago I added lap swimming into my workout routine. I've been swimming about twice a week and this weekend, on Saturday morning, I swam my first mile-long swim!

Iron-man triathlon here I come. Ha. Ok, maybe not... but it was still an accomplishment in my book!

friday, february 5, 2010

overheard...

I know, I know... I'm not off to a good start here with the blogging everyday game. Let's see if I can make it up to you by giving you three on one day.

My new advisee, a first-year student (F), was sitting outside my office the other day talking to another student. I will often try and tune out conversations happening outside my office, but here's what I heard him say.

F: So, I was watching the movie ET for the first time the other day.
S: Great, huh?
F: Yea, I had no idea that Reese's Pieces candies were so OLD.

K: sigh.

I think turning 30 this year would feel a lot different if I wasn't surrounded by 18-22 year old students every day.

a good idea? really?

I've said it before and I know I'll say it again.... my students continually crack me up and they are seriously the best part of my job. Sadly, I have to play the role of the "fun-stealer" sometimes when the brilliant brainstorm turns into something that is too high risk or puts too much liability on the university. I try very hard not to say "no" to students, but rather get them to make solid (and responsible) choices on their own.

So, the latest brainstorm from some students is to do a "Fear Factor" event. They approached me about how to make this work and what they could do for it. I entertained most of their ideas and made some suggestions on how they could actually make this event happen. I must say, it felt like they might have listened to the suggestions, but didn't actually HEAR what I had to say.

The big idea for the finale of this event? [You sitting down?] Get this - they thought it would be great if they could "get the fire department to bring over those safety nets that they use to rescue people out of burning buildings. Then we could have students jump from the top floor of one of the residence halls onto the net as the last challenge in the WU Fear Factor game."

Seriously? Seriously.

My educational hat flew right out the window and I couldn't help but laugh out loud before I said "No way. That is not going to happen. There is absolutely no way that our insurance company or risk managers will ever let you do that. In fact, I can't even imagine that the fire department would be willing to come over and do that. It's too much liability and risk. Those things are safe enough if your options are that or burning in the building, but they are not foolproof or safe."

The students just sort of nodded and said they'd get back to me with some other ideas.

Today I got a phone call from another staff member inquiring about my conversation with them. She asked me if I had, in fact, said that this stunt would be possible if they just got the fire department to come over and run it.

WHAT? No. That is not at all what we discussed.

Needless to say, I clarified what had happened in the initial conversation. According to this staff member, the students hadn't believed me and decided to call the fire department to see if it was possible. SFD said that it was "too high risk and too much of a liability." Shocking.

So... I think the students are back at square one. If you have any "Fear Factor" ideas for them, I'd value some creative input here.

"I'm sorry. We're experiencing unexpected delays."

I knew it had the likelihood of being an unpredictable trip, but not at all for the reasons I expected. In October I started looking at tickets to get home to Missouri for the holidays. [Can I just say, sometimes flight prices at that time of year are enough to get me thinking about moving back to the mid-west - ugh.] The only option near the dates that I wanted, and for less than $900-$1000 took me right through Denver, Colorado.

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Denver, but if you have ever flown through Denver in the dead of winter (or watched the news) you probably know why I was a bit hesitant to book that flight. But, it was my only option to get home to see the fam over the break, so I booked it. In my head I just assumed that there would be snow delays along with the holiday crowds and that I might end up having to stay in the airport overnight. In fact, all of my flights were right on time...no issues at all on the way there.

The way back, however, was a different story. We were delayed slightly getting out of KC and then the flight from Denver to Oregon was also delayed. Then delayed again. And, just for good measure, one final time. When we'd finally boarded the plane and everyone was seated and ready to go the captain got on the speaker to apologize for the delays.

He said "Ladies and gentlemen, I am very sorry for the delays we've been experiencing this evening. I just can't help but tell you why we are so delayed as it's due to something I've not seen before." [insert nervous chatter and giggling around the plane] "You see, there was a big Vikings football game yesterday and they lost to da Bears. The plane that we were supposed to fly on arrived in Denver from Chicago this evening and, as the passengers were exiting the plane one tall (and slightly inebriated) Vikings fan was getting off the plane. He was wearing a Viking helmet with horns attached and well... somehow managed to take out the exit sign as he left. Since broken exit signs happen to be a 'no-fly' issue, we had to wait for a new plane. So, I'm sorry for these unexpected delays, but we uhhh, had a Viking horn through an exit sign. You can't make this stuff up folks. Please make sure to watch out for those Viking fans... they can be dangerous."

So, no snow delays in Denver... next time I book a flight I guess I should check the football schedules instead.